What is wrong with these carbon fiber decals????

[Scott Colmer]

I just spent the better part of a day trying to get some Scale Motor Sports decals to stick to some panels I made. I have no idea how old the sheet is.

First they were falling apart in the water. Then I found a spot on the sheet that was OK, but they are just so fragile and they do not want to stick to the styrene.

I have been using microsol to get them to lay down. Then I airbrushed them with future, but it seems that the decals just lift off. I was doing one side at a time, complete with the Future over top. When I laid the decal on the other side, the water would seep through and ruin my previous work.

Next, I am going to lay the decals on both side and then clear both sides at one with two part urethene.

Am I missing something?

Scott

[RodBurNeR]

Try this stuff, it will solve the adhesion problem.

Not sure what to tell you about them lifting after clear coating though?

As for the decals falling apart in water....hmmm, not sure? I do know that they are very thin decals, kinda crinkly and if the paper backing is not completely soaked the decals will tear when trying to remove them. Best luck.

[jbwelda]

i am pretty sure those decals shouldnt do that; the ones from them ive used were super strong. maybe yours are too old? you might try contacting them and see if they will exchange them otherwise i would get another sheet because again that aint right.

[roadhawg]

Yes, what you describe are decals that are too old, and theres not a lot you can do, except get a new sheet. As a last resort, try clearcoating the entire sheet and using Solvaset to get 'em to lay down......but test that on a scrap piece first.

[Zoom Zoom]

Bad/old decals. I had the same thing happen with some of mine, they'd break up when they hit the water. SMS replaced my bad sheet. Haven't had a problem since then. Could be you have some from the same bad batch. If they're really old...this could be the problem.

[karbuildr]

Scott, I've had the same problem with those decals. All of the issues you've described, I experienced also. In all cases, the decals I tried to use were brand new in the local hobby shop. I've tried Micro Set along with Micro Sol, Future, Micro Scale decal film, everything I can think of and I've never been able to successfully get them to work. I like the appearance of carbon fiber, but I just don't bother any longer.

[Hizoot]

Scott,

As you know I'm not a decal expert BUT I can tell you that microsol & set & all those other setting solutions do only one thing. They are designed to soften decals. You are applying to flat panels & shouldn't even need them. The idea of applying Future to your decals is fine & will protect them from the lacquer finish you're using. But your air brush probably doesn't apply enough to make a difference... Try using a cotton swab to apply the Future & wait a full 24 hrs. before touching anything.

A new decal sheet may be in order & if you wish, I have a new interior sheet that looks a lot like carbon fiber & you're welcome to stop by & we'll try it out..! Most of all, stay calm & good luck...

Hizoot